Frankfort, KY Solar: 2026 Costs, Incentives & Savings
Solar Power in Frankfort
If you live in Frankfort, KY, and you’ve watched your electricity bill climb, you’re not imagining it. Kentucky electricity prices have increased 19% from 2020 to 2024. With Frankfort’s sunny summers and open, rural rooftops, many local homeowners are turning to solar installation for a more stable, predictable way to power their homes.
Understanding how solar panel installation works is the first step. Whether you’re just curious or ready to explore your options, our guide to home solar panels can help you decide with confidence.
KENTUCKY by the Numbers
- 40th Most residential solar in the United States
- 9 Households have installed solar panels
- 4.7 Avg peak sun hours per day
- ~$36k Frankfort average savings over 25 years
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Frankfort, KY?
See what solar really costs in Frankfort with our calculator, built from real Palmetto installations across the area. We use firsthand local data from neighborhoods like Bellepoint, Thornhill, Juniper Hills, and Farmdale to give you clear, accurate estimates. No guesswork, just honest numbers to help you plan your solar decision.
System Size
This system size is designed to offset approximately 100% of the average electricity usage for a home of this size in Kentucky.
Recommended System
6.80 kW
Your Monthly Payment
Estimated monthly cost with LightReach $87/mo
Why Lease Solar?
Following the 2025 Big Beautiful Bill, the federal 30% solar tax credit is no longer available for cash purchases. With a LightReach lease, Palmetto owns the system and still qualifies for the commercial ITC — passing those savings through to you via lower monthly payments.
- No upfront investment
- Palmetto handles all maintenance
- 90% Production Guarantee
- Comprehensive protection program included
Cost Breakdown
Your estimated investment
- System Cost: $21,521
- Price per Watt: $3.16
- Final Cost: $21,521
Savings
Your total financial benefit
- Monthly Savings: Average utility bill reduction $83
- Payback Period: Break-even point 16.7 years
- 25-Year Savings: $36,268
Palmetto Reviews
Palmetto Solar has been nothing but solid for me. Their app is clean, easy to use, and honestly kind of addictive — I catch myself checking my energy production like it’s a scoreboard. And the savings on my electric bill are the real deal. Every month I’m seeing the difference.
Their customer service deserves a shoutout too. Every time I reached out, they were friendly, patient, and actually helpful. No runaround, no “we’ll get back to you someday” energy — just people who know their stuff and take care of you.
If you’re thinking about going solar, Palmetto makes the whole thing smooth, simple, and worth it.
Jesse Richardson, Kentucky, Kentucky
I resisted going solar for years because of the cost of installation that many quoted when they came to my door. Someone finally came to my door from Palmetto and offered a solar plan that didn’t cost me a penny to install at all. They looked at my power bill and told me how many panels they would install and that they would only bill me $83 dollars a month. My wife and I did the math, and we said okay. After everything was installed and up and running, they sent me an email that said my monthly bill would only be $63 a month instead of the $83. I said, “Great”. Through the entire process they notified me of everything that was happening from them getting permits from the city, to installers coming out, etc. So far I’m very pleased with their service and the money I’m saving.
Steve Shaw, Kentucky, Kentucky
We have had such a great experience with Palmetto. Our solar panels went up without complication and we have now had 2 full months and our bill has been nothing more than our extended warranty for outside wiring. Our monthly payment to Palmetto even went down $20 before we made the first payment! It cost us absolutely NOTHING to get started either. I didn’t believe it possible but it’s true and I would do it for every home I live in from now on! They look good too! They don’t stick out like I’ve seen others do.
Crystal Royall, Kentucky, Kentucky
Key Takeaways
Frankfort electricity prices keep climbing, rising about 13% in recent years, which is why more local homeowners are exploring solar for stable, predictable energy costs.
Kentucky solar incentives can still lower your costs, including net metering, Duke Energy’s PowerPair battery rebate, and the LG&E and KU Solar Share program.
Leasing solar with LightReach means no upfront cost, since Palmetto owns and maintains the system while you enjoy predictable monthly payments and clean energy savings.
Frankfort Electricity Prices
If your Frankfort electricity bill keeps climbing, you’re not alone. Here’s how local rates are changing—and why many homeowners are exploring solar.
Kentucky’s electricity prices rose from 11.5 cents per kWh in 2021 to 13.0 cents in 2024—about a 13% increase. While still below the national average of 16.5 cents, local rates continue trending upward.
Solar installation offers Frankfort homeowners a way to lock in more predictable energy costs. With sunny summers and open, rural rooftops, home solar panels can generate power on-site instead of relying solely on the grid.
Over time, solar can help protect against future rate hikes. As Kentucky and national prices climb, producing your own electricity gives you a stable, long-term way to power your home with confidence.
Price of Energy: Kentucky vs National Average
| Year | Kentucky Price (¢/kWh) | US Average Price (¢/kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 11.5 | 16.5 |
| 2022 | 12.9 | 16.0 |
| 2023 | 12.7 | 15.0 |
| 2024 | 13.0 | 16.0 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Energy Information Administration, Form 861
Frankfort Area Utility Providers
In Frankfort, KY, most homeowners get power from Kentucky Utilities or LG&E. Based on 2023 data, Kentucky Utilities charged about 12.0¢ per kWh, while LG&E charged 12.4¢ per kWh.
Both rates sit near Kentucky’s 2023 state average of 12.70¢ per kWh, and well below the 2023 national average of 16.0¢. Kentucky’s long reliance on local energy resources has historically helped keep electricity prices lower than many other states.
Even so, rates in Frankfort tend to rise over time. Solar panel installation can help homeowners lock in more stable, predictable energy costs and rely less on shifting utility prices for years to come.
Frankfort Utilities Electricity Rates
| Provider | Rate (¢/kWh) |
|---|---|
| Kentucky Utilities | 12.00 |
| LG&E | 12.40 |
| KY Average | 12.70 |
| US Average | 16.0 |
Source: US Energy Information Administration, 2023, Form 861, Table 6
Kentucky Solar Incentives
In Frankfort, KY, several solar incentives in Kentucky can help lower the cost of going solar for local homeowners.
These include Kentucky’s net metering policy, Duke Energy’s PowerPair solar-plus-battery rebate, the LG&E and KU Solar Share community program, and the Solarize Lexington group-purchasing discount for nearby property owners.
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Net Metering Policy | Net Metering | Kentucky requires most utilities to offer net metering to solar customers, though compensation rates vary significantly by utility. | Learn More |
| Duke Energy PowerPair Solar + Battery Incentive | Rebate | Duke Energy Kentucky residential customers can receive a one-time incentive of up to $9,000 for installing a qualifying solar-plus-battery-storage system. | Learn More |
| LG&E and KU Solar Share Program | Community Solar | LG&E and KU Energy customers can subscribe to shares of a local community solar project and receive bill credits without installing panels on their property. | Learn More |
Kentucky Net Metering Policy
Kentucky state law requires all investor-owned utilities (IOUs) and electric cooperatives — excluding the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) — to offer net metering to customers with qualifying solar energy systems. The eligible system size has been increased from 30 kW to 45 kW under SB 100, and compensation rates are overseen by the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC). LG&E and KU Energy currently offer full retail net metering, meaning excess energy you send to the grid is credited at the same rate you pay for electricity — the best possible outcome for solar owners.
For homeowners in Frankfort, net metering remains a strong financial benefit. If you are a Duke Energy or Kentucky Power customer installing a new system in 2026, pairing your solar panels with battery storage is strongly recommended, as storing excess energy for self-consumption is now more valuable than exporting it to the grid at the reduced avoided-cost rate.
Frankfort Solar Irradiance
Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Understanding how seasons affect your solar system helps set realistic expectations for your investment.
Frankfort enjoys warm summers and mild winters with moderate sunshine year-round. While cloudy days happen, even cities like Seattle prove solar works well. With the right system, Frankfort homes can produce plenty of clean energy.
Solar Production in Frankfort by Month
System Size:5 kW7 kW10 kW
What Can Your Solar System Power?
Summer Production (July)
- 45.1 kWh/day
- In July, your 10 kW system could power:
- 3.0 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Run central AC for 15 hours AND power all other appliances
- or Fully charge 4.5 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Winter Production (December)
- 21.5 kWh/day
- In December, your 10 kW system could power:
- 1.4 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Keep your home heating system running for 10 hours
- or Fully charge 2.1 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Annual Production
- 13,259 kWh/year
- Over a year, your 10 kW system could:
- Offset 9 tons of carbon dioxide emissions
- or Equal the environmental benefit of planting 159 trees
Solar Panel Systems in Frankfort
We’ve mapped solar installations across the country, right down to the neighborhood level. Explore the map below to see how many Frankfort, KY homes have switched to solar. Click any hexagon to discover how many of your neighbors are already enjoying clean energy in their community.
Leasing Solar Panels
In Frankfort, KY, Palmetto offers solar leasing through LightReach, so you can go solar with no upfront cost. Palmetto owns and maintains the system, while you enjoy the clean energy it produces.
With a lease, you pay a fixed, predictable monthly amount instead of paying tens of thousands in cash. There’s no equipment to repair yourself, and your system includes a production guarantee and full protection program.
Compared to a cash purchase, leasing means no large investment to recoup and no maintenance worries. To weigh your options, explore our guide on whether to buy or lease solar panels and find the right fit for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Frankfort, KY have net metering? Yes, Frankfort, KY has net metering. Kentucky law requires most investor-owned utilities and electric cooperatives to offer net metering to homeowners with qualifying solar systems up to 45 kW, with rates overseen by the Kentucky Public Service Commission.
Do solar panels increase your home value in Frankfort, KY? Yes, in Frankfort, KY, owning solar panels can increase your home’s value. A Zillow study found homes with solar panels sold for approximately 4.1% more than comparable homes without them.
How much does it cost to go solar in Frankfort, KY? In Frankfort, KY, many homeowners go solar with a LightReach lease, which has no upfront cost and a low fixed monthly payment starting around $87/month for a medium home. Palmetto owns and maintains the system for you.
Does solar make sense in Frankfort, KY? Yes, solar can make sense in Frankfort, KY. Local electricity rates rose about 13% in recent years, and with roughly 4.7 peak sun hours per day plus open, rural rooftops, homes here can generate meaningful clean energy and lock in more predictable costs.
Is solar worth it financially? For many Frankfort homeowners, solar can make sense financially—especially with leasing. Through LightReach, there’s no upfront investment, and your fixed monthly payment is typically less than your current electricity bill, so you can start saving from day one.
How much electricity can a solar system produce in Frankfort, KY? In Frankfort, KY, a typical home solar system produces roughly 1,300 kWh per year for each kilowatt installed. A common 7 kW system generates about 9,300 kWh annually, while a 10 kW system produces around 13,300 kWh.